Tyson Fury 'actually frightened' that illness could wreck plans for huge Oleksandr Usyk fight

Tyson Fury 'actually frightened' that illness could wreck plans for huge Oleksandr Usyk fight

WATCH NOW: Tyson Fury fight press conference ahead of Oleksandr Usyk bout

Lewis Winter

By Lewis Winter


Published: 11/04/2024

- 13:21

The WBC heavyweight champion is worried he could fall ill ahead of his May bout

Tyson Fury claims he is 'terrified' that he has peaked too early in training ahead of his huge fight against Oleksandr Usyk.

The Gypsy King says he is ready to enter the ring this weekend, over five weeks before he is set to battle his Ukrainian opponent.


Fury and Usyk will put their belts and unbeaten records on the line in the first undisputed heavyweight encounter this century.

The bout will take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on May 18 after it was postponed in February due to an injury sustained by Fury in training.

Tyson Fury

Boxing news: Tyson Fury admits he is terrified ahead of his fight with Oleksandr Usyk

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The 35-year-old has portrayed a much leaner frame compared to his last fight during training videos posted on social media in recent weeks.

Fury knows he must be better than his bout against Francis Ngannou last October, where many felt he was lucky to get the judges' decision.

But he admits he is concerned that he has reached his top level physically too early.

Fury reckons he could come down with an 'illness' if he is not careful.

He told Queensbury Promotions: "I’m actually frightened of where I am at the moment, and that’s a fact.

"I won’t lie to you, I’m actually terrified of where I am at the moment, because I’m ready to go this weekend – and I’ve got five more weekends to go.

"So, like Sugar[hill Steward, Fury’s coach] said, the thing is not doing tons of training, but it’s to do less, because I’m already ready.

"And if I peak too soon, then I’ll come down with an illness, a flu chest, infection, whatever – and then it’s all f****d."

Fury spoke at a press conference in Morecambe on Wednesday, with Usyk not present.

The WBC champion insisted that he is happy with how his training camp has gone so far.

Fury said: "Yeah, I'm training hard obviously. I'm in fantastic shape, obviously.

"And I've got a massive fight coming up, obviously. There's no room for error, no room for any problems.

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Tyson Fury

Boxing news: Tyson Fury is worried he has peaked too early

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"40 days out, feeling fantastic and I know all boxers say the same like 'oh s**t I'm having a fantastic training camp yada yada yada.'

"But I actually am having a fantastic training camp. I've got a good team around me, no complaints.

"I'm working very hard, got my dad in camp this time, got my secret weapon with me this time as well.

"I've got Ty Mitchell in, I've got all the boys, all the girls are in camp. We've got a full circus camp. Can't do anything more really."

Oleksandr Usyk

Boxing news: Oleksandr Usyk will fight Tyson Fury in Saudi Arabia in February

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Fury says he has nothing against Usyk as a person, adding: "This is not personal. It's strictly business for both fighters.

"I don't hate him and he don't hate me. He's a good husband, a god-fearing man.

"I respect him as a man and a fighter."

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